Question
What can you tell me about feeding hemp to horses? Are there any studies comparing it with flaxseed (linseed) and soybeans? Also, why is hemp in the banned category with the FEI and other national federations?
Answer
While there is some information that compares the amino acid and fatty acid profiles of hemp to soybean and flaxseed, I have not found studies in which hemp was actually fed to horses alone or in comparison to other feedstuffs.
Hemp seeds can be a source of good-quality protein for horses, with an amino acid profile comparable to soybeans, considering it contains all of the essential amino acids. Hemp seeds also contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with a 1:3 ratio, which is more favorable than the ratio found in soybeans. Compared to flaxseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, hemp seeds provide a lower relative amount of omega-3 but do contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is a somewhat unique omega-6 fatty acid that supports anti-inflammatory processes. GLA is not found in flaxseed or other oils commonly fed to horses.
Further, hemp seeds for horses are reported to be palatable, highly digestible, and a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E.
Hemp byproducts that may be fed to horses include hemp meal and hemp oil. Hemp meal contains protein, fiber, and varying amounts of fat. The fat content depends on whether the fat has been extracted for oil. Hemp meal provides slightly less lysine than soybean meal but more methionine. Hemp meal also provides the branched-chain amino acid leucine in higher levels than whey protein.
Hemp oil contains approximately 76% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compared to flax oil at about 66% PUFA. As mentioned above, the fatty acid profile of hemp oil provides essential fatty acids at a ratio considered more favorable than soy oil, although not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as flaxseed oil. Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, such as EO-3, provide horses with more benefits than plant-based sources.
When considering hemp seed or hemp byproducts as feed ingredients for horses, make sure that the source is the cannabis subspecies that is grown as a feed or food crop, which is very low in the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also, at least in the United States, hemp production is currently an unregulated industry, so be careful of the source of any hemp product offered to horses.
While novel feedstuffs are intriguing to consider, traditional horse feeds offered by most reputable manufacturers are formulated by nutritionists to incorporate the nutrients necessary to best nourish horses. These feeds should be fed according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. For horses with specific nutritional needs, consultation with an equine nutritionist is advised.
As far as FEI regulations, modern testing is so sensitive that horses will test positive for minute amounts of banned substances that are not physiological significant. However, there is often little or no data to indicate where exactly to draw the line between insignificant and performance-enhancing, and this complicates the job of regulatory officials.
As far as national regulatory bodies, an article published in 2011 mentioned that the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) recommended to restrict or prohibit whole hemp plant-derived feed materials for use for animal nutritional purposes and a maximum THC content of 10 mg/kg to hemp seed-derived feed materials. FEEDAP provides scientific advice on the safety and efficacy of additives, substances, and used in animal feed. The panel is composed of European scientists.
With little experience or history of hemp seed as a feed ingredient for horses and other livestock, allowing the use of hemp seed might also open the door for inappropriate hemp ingredients to be used in an effort to provide performance-enhancing or possibly medicinal support for horses.
